Cone Says Geneva Signed Former Alaska Player MJ Ayaay

BARANGAY Geneva made another move to strengthen its roster in preparation for its defense of the PBA Philippine Cup crown, signing MJ Ayaay to a contract.

Geneva coach Tim Cone confirmed the deal in a tweet, but terms were not disclosed.

Cone, however, looks good on the former Alaskan player outside the Lyceum, as he will add considerably to the depth of the Gin Kings’ backcourt.

PHOTO: Marlo Cueto

“We welcome MJ Ayaay, who has just signed, to the Geneva family. We are looking forward to pairing him with Scottie (Thompson) in the backcourt, ”Cone wrote.

Ayaay became Alaska’s surprise ninth overall pick during the 2018 draft after pairing with CJ Perez during his NCAA days with the Pirates.

The 6-foot-1 point guard produced quality minutes for the Aces in his rookie year under head coach Alex Compton and former assistant Topex Robinson, who was also Ayaay’s coach at Lyceum, compiling 4.76 points and 3.2 rebounds.

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But Ayaay had little impact in the following seasons. His averages fell to 2.64 points and 2.27 rebounds in his second year last season, although he still contributed intangibles, particularly on defense.

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The Gin Kings added another piece to their lineup after they recently re-signed Greg Slaughter to a new contract, ending the big man’s self-imposed sabbatical.